Previous reports help support the rumours of a fingerprint scanner as well. Earlier this month, it was suggested that the iPhone 5S will feature a toughened convex home button with fingerprint scanner, made from Sapphire crystal. This material is only beaten in the toughness scale by diamond, and it is already used in the iPhone 5’s rear camera so it would be a sensible material choice for the iPhone 5S.

However, the latest patent states that the fingerprint scanner will be accompanied by advanced NFC technology. The button would have a dual functionality for fingerprint scanning and NFC connectivity via a combination of electrodes and optical structures.

The improved fingerprint scanner/NFC home button could also be used in the docking system outlined by a another part of the patent, which pairs using NFC when the iPhone 5S is slotted inside it.

The iPhone 5S is expected to launch at Apple’s event tomorrow, September 10, which starts at 6pm UK time.